New Delhi: In a bold austerity measure amid economic pressures from the Iran war, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has mandated a 50% cut to his Special Protection Group (SPG) convoy and pushed for expanded electric vehicle (EV) adoption.
Sources revealed that the SPG received strict orders to reduce the number of the Prime Minister’s motorcade while upholding essential security standards. Implementation is already underway, according these insiders, as reported by India Today TV on Wednesday.
This besides, sources noted PM Modi’s directive for increased EV integration into the convoy, with a strict no-purchase policy for new vehicles during the shift.
The decision comes close on the heels of PM Modi’s recent nationwide call for tightening the purse‑strings, as India grapples with spiking global oil costs. He advised citizens to forgo gold purchases for one year, delay unnecessary overseas journeys, and curb fuel use.
Modi Pushes Cost‑Cuts
To demonstrate the point, PM Modi has begun downsizing his motorcade on recent state visits to Gujarat and Assam, a visible sign of the austerity push; slimmer convoys were observed in Vadodara and Guwahati soon after his Hyderabad rally. The reduction — described by officials as careful and security‑compliant — was positioned as an example for other leaders to follow, reinforcing the public appeal for reduced fuel use and frugal official practices.
Sources, however, emphasized that all SPG-mandated security norms remained intact despite the reductions.
The initiative has begun to ripple through government ranks, with central ministries actively reviewing measures to cut fuel use and improve vehicle efficiency. Sources said several departments are auditing transport needs, restricting non‑essential trips and promoting pooled travel or Metro use where feasible.
In BJP‑ruled states such as Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, chief ministers have already ordered their official motorcades to be pared down, and officials report similar directives are being discussed at the state level elsewhere.
Union Minister CR Patil joined in by scrapping his escort vehicle, they said.
Modi’s Austerity Plea
At a Telangana BJP rally in Hyderabad on Sunday, PM Modi implored the public to embrace austerity amid the Iran war’s economic toll and to preserve foreign exchange reserves.
The Prime Minister called for reduced consumption of petrol and diesel, greater use of Metro rail services, carpooling, electric vehicles and railway parcel services, while also encouraging work-from-home practices wherever possible.
